In Virtual Reality News
January 17, 2024 – bHaptics, a provider of consumer haptic devices, has recently announced that its TactSuit haptic vest device will now support PlayStation VR2. In addition, the company also unveiled the latest edition of its haptic gloves with the introduction of the new TactGlove DK2, and announced updated features for its TactSuit vest.
The company partnered with Ark and Ade, Breachers, Hand Physics Lab, and Rogue Ascent to showcase the new and renewed products on their booth at CES 2024 last week in Las Vegas.
Upcoming PS VR2 support for Breachers
bHaptics stated that its TactSuit will now support PS VR2 within the first quarter of 2024. This will be in addition to a current roster of 250+ Steam VR and Meta Quest titles that already support the TactSuit device.
The company partnered with developer Triangle Factory to showcase Breachers on PS VR2 with TactSuit at CES. bHaptics did note though that Breachers is currently the only PS VR2 game compatible with the platform. However, the company added that its SDK is now available for developers to start integrating PS VR2 content with the TactSuit, and that full PS VR2 support will be available for all consumers within Q1 of 2024.
TactGlove DK2
TactGlove is bHaptics’ line of consumer-ready haptic gloves for virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR). Since the first release of the company’s SDK early last year, the TactGlove DK1 has gone through a range of upgrades, including enhanced motor control, improved hand tracking compatibility, increased comfort, and the inclusion of touchscreen-compatible and anti-slip fingertips.
According to bHaptics, the TactGlove DK2 comes with improved hand tracking compatibility, increased comfort, and more sophisticated haptic feedback, compared to its TactGlove DK1 predecessor. Plus, an improved SDK will allow developers to have more precise control over the gloves’ delicate motors, which are capable of generating 10 millisecond waveforms of vibration.
Additionally, the design changes provide further comfort and improved aesthetics. Whilst the DK1 consisted of three layers with inner gloves, main gloves, and interchangeable outer gloves, the DK2 actually removes the outer gloves, which bHaptics stated leads to increased usability, as well as improved hand tracking compatibility with camera-based systems.
The hand tracking compatibility has greatly improved from its predecessor and is now “comparable to bare hands tracking,” according to the company. Other design changes include replacing velcro straps with magnetic straps, making it easier to wear and take off the TactGloves. bHaptics stated that TactGlove DK2 will be available to consumers in April this year.
Renewed TactSuit series
The company’s consumer-ready haptic suits, TactSuit X40 and X16, have undergone some upgrades and are now available in an updated form with enhanced functionality. The models have been renewed to eliminate the high frequency noise of motors, plus a noiseless zipper has also been implemented, meaning users can enjoy a more immersive VR experience featuring haptic feedback in the form of directional gunshots and powerful recoils, all without noise distractions from the suit.
For more information on bHaptics and its haptic solutions for consumers, please visit the company’s website.
bHaptics booth at CES 2024
Image credit: bHaptics
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About the author
Sam is the Founder and Managing Editor of Auganix. With a background in research and report writing, he has been covering XR industry news for the past seven years.